Cornhole airmail box game board

ABSTRACT

A lightweight stackable cornhole airmail box is disclosed. In certain versions, the airmail box includes a playing surface having a periphery and a central hole; a base configured to support the airmail box on a ground surface; and a front, rear, and opposing sidewalls extending from the base and terminating at the periphery of the playing surface. The sidewalls are configured to support the playing surface at an angle relative to the ground surface and at least the front and rear sidewalls are angled inward towards the central hole from the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, copending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “CORNHOLE AIRMAIL BOX AND METHOD OF PLAY” filed May 14, 2019, Ser. No. 62/847,378, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of skill games, particularly, to equipment relating to the game of beanbag toss or cornhole.

BACKGROUND

Games of skill bring people together and provide an enjoyable time with others whether the game is for simple entertainment or a competitive challenge, people participate due to a near instinctual drive for fun and excitement.

Often players of skill gravitate towards the game of Cornhole, a type of beanbag toss game, which is typically played outdoors on a flat surface such as a lawn or driveway. Cornhole generally consists of the placement of two opposing cornhole boards having a playing surface with hole.

Typically, a cornhole court shall be a level rectangular area 8-10 feet wide and a minimum of 40-45 feet long. The court should consist of two cornhole boards, designated pitcher's boxes, and foul lines. See FIG. 18 for court layout.

The pitcher's box is a rectangle 4 feet by 3 feet at each end of the court, parallel with, and on both sides of the boards. Each player must remain in the pitcher's box while pitching a cornhole bag.

Every match is broken down into innings of play. During an inning of play, each player must pitch all four of his/her bags. An inning is never completed until all players pitch all four of his/her bags.

In a singles match of cornhole, both players stay in their designated lane for the whole game. Players start the game at the headboard and will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four of his/her bags. Players then walk to the end of their lane to the other court, take score, and resume pitching back to the other board. The top of an inning is completed when the first player pitches all four bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining player pitches all four bags.

In doubles play, there is a Team A which competes against Team B; each team is comprised of two people. Each team will stay in their designated lane for the whole game. Players at the headboard will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four of his/her bags. Players at the footboard will take score and resume pitching back to the other board. The top of an inning is completed when both players pitching from the headboard pitch all four bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining players pitching from the footboard pitch all four bags.

The approved method of scoring for the sport of cornhole is “cancellation” scoring. In cancellation scoring, the points of one player cancel out the points of their opponent. Using this method, only one player/team can score in each inning.

Any bag which comes to rest anywhere on top of the board is scored as (1) point. Any bag which is thrown through the hole or knocked through the hole by another bag is scored as three (3) points.

The game shall be played to the predetermined number of twenty-one points. The first player/team to reach (or exceed) that amount at the conclusion of an inning is the winner.

Aside from the rules of play, cornhole boards and other miniature sized cornhole boards termed cornhole airmail boxes are inherently heavy weighing in at almost 25 lbs. Generally, the equipment is not easily transportable and is irregularly shaped. Thus, often preventing players from enjoying the game at distant locations such as at a beach or park. A typical sized cornhole board is officially a 47.5 to 48 inch by 23.5 to 24 inch rectangle made of plywood that is at least a 0.5 inch thick. Put simply, the official playing boards are very heavy and require a lot of space for storage, thus very difficult for recreational players to transport to and from their destination cornhole court.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a cornhole style game which provides equipment that is compact for storage, easy to transport and setup, provides an enjoyable playing method, and environmentally friendly.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, a stackable cornhole airmail box game board is provided for playing the game of cornhole on a ground surface. In a version of the application, the airmail box game board generally comprises a playing surface having a periphery and a central hole; a base configured to support the airmail box game board on the ground surface; and a plurality of sidewalls extending upward from the base supporting the playing surface at an angle relative to the ground surface.

In certain versions, the edge formed between the playing surface and the sidewalls has a continuous, integral curved surface.

In another version, the game board further includes an outward extending flange aligned about a lower perimeter of the sidewalls forming a quadrilateral footprint. Preferably, the outward extending flange comprises a downward exposed surface, the downward exposed surface supporting at least one rubber strip, thereby providing traction and grip with a ground surface.

In certain versions, each of the sidewalls are angled inward towards the central hole from the base.

In certain versions, a portion of the base further comprises or embeds a high-density material for providing additional stability.

Preferably, in a version, two or more game boards are operably configured to stack upon the other, wherein each game board further comprises a hollow interior formed between the sidewalls and the playing surface that is sized and dimensioned to receive the sidewalls and playing surface of a second game board, thereby allowing a plurality of game boards to be stacked one on top of another in a series.

In yet other versions, one or more vertical spacer tabs are positioned where the sidewalls intersect with the base, thereby preventing two or more stacked airmail boxes from becoming either stuck and/or air-locked together while stacked.

In some versions, the base includes at least one anchoring hole therethrough.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a version of the airmail box game board;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective plan view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a left-side elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a right-side elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a right-side elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an up-close view of the bottom of a version of the airmail box;

FIG. 11 is a front, side perspective view of a version of the airmail box game board;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the version shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front, side perspective view of a version of the application;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the version shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front, side perspective view of two stacked airmail box game boards;

FIG. 17 is a rear bottom perspective view of the stacked version shown in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is an example prior art cornhole court.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the present invention relates generally to a cornhole style game which utilizes an airmail box game board which is structurally lightweight, stable, of compact size, and is stackable.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated. The term “mm” means millimeter.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary versions of the invention. The description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

With reference to the figures, a description of a version of the invention will be provided. Generally, a version of an airmail box game board is illustrated and generally referred to as numeral 10. The game board 10 is designed to be lightweight, stackable, and easily transportable. The game board 10 is designed to be played as a version of cornhole, thus during gameplay, two game boards 10 are oriented towards each other at a predetermined distance apart per the standards described above (See FIG. 18). The game board 10 is configured to be positioned on the ground or other flat surface which generally has a horizontal axis X as shown in the figures.

Currently, cornhole and other airmail box sets are made of heavy wood and are expensive to manufacture, ship, and retail. In order to significantly lower the weight and cost of each unit, a new structure is provided which is smaller, is made of plastic and is specifically designed to be stackable. Thus, because they are uniquely designed to be both lightweight, compact, and stackable, a pair of game boards 10 can be shipped and transported in the same volume as one of the heavier, irregular shaped game board units made of raw wood currently found on the market. Moreover, making the units out of a lightweight plastic material reduces production cost. By reducing the manufacturing costs and the shipping costs, the new design reduces the overall cost by approximately 65% of the current market rate for a traditional airmail cornhole game board set.

With specific reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 7, the illustrated version of the airmail box game board 10 generally comprises a base 12, a plurality of upstanding sidewalls 14 supported by the base 12, and an angled playing surface 16 having a central hole 30 supported by the plurality of upstanding sidewalls 14. The game board 10 base 12, upstanding sidewalls 14, and top playing surface 16 form an open bottom hollow structure which is configured to be stacked within a series of two or more game boards 10 (See example in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17).

In the illustrated version, the plurality of upstanding sidewalls 14 include a front sidewall 18, rear sidewall 20, and opposing sidewalls 22, 24 which collectively function to support the playing surface 16 in an elevated and an angled forward position relative to the base 12 or ground surface horizontal axis X. The sidewalls 14 generally define a hollow space therein and terminate at a lower perimeter 25 defining a bottom opening 26 (see FIG. 2).

Moreover, in the version, each of the sidewalls 14 is tilted or angled inward towards the center of the game board 10 or the central hole 30. This configuration allows two or more game boards 10 to operably stack upon the other because each game board 10 forms an angled hollow interior which fits the reciprocal exterior structure of a second game board 10, thereby allowing a plurality of game boards 10 to be stacked one on top of another in a series.

With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in certain embodiments of the application, it is preferable that the angle t formed between the opposing sidewalls 22, 24 and the horizontal axis X of the ground surface or lower perimeter 25 is between 80 and 90 degrees. Further, it is preferable that the angle r formed between the rear sidewall 20 and the horizontal axis X is between 66 and 76 degrees. It is preferable that the angle f formed between the front sidewall 18 and the horizontal axis X is between 80 and 90 degrees. In certain versions, the angles f, t formed between each of the front sidewall 18 and the opposing sidewalls 22, 24 and the horizontal axis X are equal. In certain versions, the angles f, t formed between each of the front sidewall 18 and the opposing sidewalls 22, 24 and the horizontal axis X are equal and are greater than the angle r formed between the rear sidewall 20 and the horizontal axis X. In some versions, the angle f formed between the front sidewall 18 and the horizontal axis X is greater than the angle r formed between the rear sidewall and the horizontal axis X.

As shown in FIG. 11-FIG. 13, in a version of the application, the opposing side walls 122, 124 may be positioned perpendicular with the horizontal axis X or the perimeter 25.

Preferably, the front sidewall 18 and opposing sidewalls 22, 24 thickness are between 1.5 mm-4 mm, more preferably approximately 2.2 mm. Preferably, the rear sidewall 20 thickness is between 1.5 mm-4 mm, more preferably 3 mm. Preferably, the rear sidewall 20 has a greater thickness than the front sidewall 18.

Ideally, the edges 28 formed as the linear connection or intersection between each of the sidewalls 14, and between each of the sidewalls 14 and the top playing surface 16 provide a continuous, integral curve, thereby providing a seamless structure for easily stacking thereof.

As best shown by FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the playing surface 16 provides the central hole 30 and terminates at a periphery 33. Ideally, the playing surface 16 is primarily a flat, smooth surface and supported in an elevated position and angled with respect to the ground horizonal axis X which passes through the base 12 and/or lower perimeter 25 of the plurality of sidewalls 14. The top playing surface 16 generally comprises a central hole 30 defined by an integrally curved circular rim 32. Ideally, the curved rim 32 is curved downward and then inward towards the hollow interior forming the central hole 30 which is adapted to receive a tossed game beanbag therein during gameplay—mitigating edges that would snag or interfere with the movement of the game piece.

Preferably, the forward angle formed between the top playing surface 16 and the horizontal axis is approximately 10-12 degrees (See FIG. 9). Preferably, the diameter of the central hole 30 is six inches. Preferably, the depth of the top playing surface 16 is between 2 mm-4 mm, more preferably 3 mm.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the illustrated version, the base 12 is configured to provide superior lateral and longitudinal support—preventing the airmail box game board 10 from moving throughout gameplay. In the version, the base 12 generally comprises an outward extending flange 34 aligned about the lower perimeter 25 of the sidewalls 14 forming a quadrilateral or rectangular footprint (See FIG. 3). The outward extending flange 34 generally includes a forward portion 36, rear portion 38, and opposing side portions 40, 41, each having a respective downward exposed surface 42 configured to interact with the adjacent ground surface. Preferably, the outward extending flange 34 has a thickness between 5 mm-9 mm, more preferably 7 mm.

Preferably, the quadrilateral footprint is a rectangular shape measuring between 13-15 inches in width by 15.5-17.5 inches in length. In certain versions, the rectangular footprint is greater in both width and length than the playing surface 16 width and length for providing stability.

In certain versions, the base 12 or flange 34 may have a plurality of anchoring holes 50 therethrough. Ideally, the anchoring holes are positioned at each corner 47 of the base 12. The anchoring holes 50 provide the ability to further secure the game boards 10 to the ground during gameplay by way of a stake or anchor.

In a version, two or more game boards are operably configured to stack upon each other (See FIG. 16 and FIG. 17), wherein each game board provides a hollow interior formed between the sidewalls and the playing surface that is sized and dimensioned to receive the sidewalls and playing surface of a second game board, thereby allowing a plurality of game boards to be stacked one on top of another in a series.

Preferably, the game board 10 may further include vertical spacer tabs 48 positioned at the lower perimeter 25 of the sidewall and integral with the base 12 or where the sidewalls intersect with the base. The vertical spacer tabs 48 are provided such that they prevent two or more stacked game boards 10 from being air-locked or stuck together while stacked and provide structural support and attachment between the base 12 and the adjacent sidewall 14. Moreover, the vertical spacer tabs 48 ensure that each stacked game board 10 is vertically aligned with respect to each other. Thus, a stack of two or more game boards 10 will rise vertically upward and perpendicular with the ground. This configuration allows for compact storage and minimizes volumes for shipping purposes.

Preferably, in some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, one or more of the downward exposed surfaces 42 have a rubber stripping 44. Ideally, the rubber stripping 44 is positioned lengthways along the respective flange 34 and provides a downward exposed ridge and groove pattern. The pattern is highly effective at providing grip and traction with the adjacent ground providing further support and mitigation of movement of the airmail box game board 10 throughout gameplay.

In other versions of the application, high-density material may ideally be connected to or integrated with or within one or more of the flange 34 sides. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, illustrate a version which utilizes embedded weighted bars 46 in the forward portion 36 and the rear portion 38 of the base 12. The added weight provides an increased downward force urging the rubber stripping 44 deeper into the adjacent ground providing superior grip and traction. Ideally, a heavy metal is used such as lead, steel or tungsten. Alternatively, small weighted beads of high-density material may be added within the plastic molded structure to provide additional weight thereto. Further, a calcium carbonate may be added as a high-density material.

The cornhole airmail box game board 10 can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, ergonomic, and buoyant. Preferably, construction is made of polypropylene plastic (PP) with weighted filler material. However, other lightweight material, can certainly be utilized to achieve an overall lightweight sound structure.

The invention does not require that all the features and advantages need to be incorporated into every version of the invention.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein.

All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise. 

1.-17.
 18. A game board for playing a game of cornhole on a ground surface having a horizontal axis, the game board comprising: a playing surface having a periphery and a central hole; a base configured to support the game board on the ground surface; and a front, a rear, and opposing sidewalls extending from the base and terminating at the periphery of the playing surface forming an edge and supporting the playing surface at an angle relative to the ground surface, at least the front and rear sidewalls are angled inward towards the central hole from the base.
 19. The game board of claim 18, wherein the base comprises an outward extending flange aligned about a lower perimeter of the sidewalls forming a quadrilateral footprint.
 20. The game board of claim 19, wherein the quadrilateral footprint having a width and length and the playing surface having a width and length, wherein the quadrilateral footprint width and length is greater than the playing surface width and length for providing stability.
 21. The game board of claim 20, wherein the quadrilateral footprint is a rectangular shape measuring between 13-15 inches in width by 15.5-17.5 inches in length.
 22. The game board of claim 19, wherein the outward extending flange comprises a downward exposed surface, the downward exposed surface supporting at least one rubber strip, thereby providing traction and grip with a ground surface.
 23. The game board of claim 22, wherein the edge formed between the playing surface and the sidewalls has a continuous, integral curved surface.
 24. The game board of claim 19, wherein a portion of the base further comprises a high-density material for providing additional stability.
 25. The game board of claim 19, wherein the outward extending flange comprises a forward portion and a rear portion, wherein each of the forward portion and the rear portion embed a high-density material for providing additional stability.
 26. The game board of claim 25, further comprising at least one anchoring hole through the base.
 27. The game board of claim 19, wherein two or more game boards are operably configured to stack upon each other, wherein each game board further comprises a hollow interior formed between the sidewalls and the playing surface that is sized and dimensioned to receive the sidewalls and playing surface of a second game board, thereby allowing a plurality of game boards to be stacked one on top of another in a series.
 28. The game board of claim 27, further comprising one or more vertical spacer tabs positioned at where the sidewalls intersect with the base, thereby preventing two or more stacked airmail boxes from becoming either stuck and/or air-locked together while stacked.
 29. The game board of claim 18, wherein two or more game boards are operably configured to stack upon the other, wherein each game board further comprises a hollow interior formed between the sidewalls and the playing surface that is sized and dimensioned to receive the sidewalls and playing surface of a second game board, thereby allowing a plurality of game boards to be stacked one on top of another in a series.
 30. A game board for playing a game of cornhole on a ground surface having a horizontal axis, the game board comprising: a playing surface having a periphery and a central hole; a base configured to support the game board on the ground surface, the base comprising an outward extending flange aligned about a lower perimeter forming a quadrilateral footprint; and a front, rear, and opposing sidewalls extending from the base and terminating at the periphery of the playing surface forming an edge and supporting the playing surface at an angle relative to the ground surface, at least the front and rear sidewalls are angled inward towards the central hole from the base.
 31. The game board of claim 30, wherein the angle formed between the opposing sidewalls and the horizontal axis is between 80 and 90 degrees.
 32. The game board of claim 31, wherein the angle formed between the rear sidewall and the horizontal axis is between 66 and 76 degrees.
 33. The game board of claim 32, wherein the angle formed between the front sidewall and the horizontal axis is between 80 and 90 degrees.
 34. The game board of claim 30, wherein the angle formed between each of the front sidewall and the opposing sidewalls and the horizontal axis are equal.
 35. The game board of claim 30, wherein the angle formed between each of the front sidewall and the opposing sidewalls and the horizontal axis are equal to or greater than the angle formed between the rear sidewall and the horizontal axis.
 36. The game board of claim 30, wherein the angle formed between the front sidewall and the horizontal axis is greater than the angle formed between the rear sidewall and the horizontal axis. 